TOCCOA, GA, Oct. 8, 2007 -- When a new pumping station, offering a pumping capacity of 5,200 cfs (2,300,000 GPM), began operating on the London Avenue Canal in New Orleans on August 15, an impossible feat had been accomplished.
In December of 2006, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers changed its flood and stormwater control strategy to increase pumping capacity to this new level with direct drive pumps at the London Avenue Canal site where two major breaches occurred during Katrina.
The manufacture of eight massive, mixed flow pumps to provide the needed pumping capacity would require 18 to 24 months. The new pumps were needed by mid-August, 2007, the beginning of hurricane season. Pump manufacturers considered the time frame an impossibility.
Michael Pittman of M.R. Pittman Group of Harahan, LA, through Ronnie Hebert of Environmental Technical Sales (ETEC) of Baton Rouge, approached Patterson Pump Company President Al Huber to consider the impact these pumps would make on the critical recovery effort of the Greater New Orleans area. All other members of the recovery team were in place, providing infrastructure and foundational units; only the direct drive pumps were missing.
Patterson made the commitment for the manufacture, delivery and testing of eight special fitted, 68" x 72" SAFV Mixed Flow Pumps in a 150-day period. A contract was awarded on December 22, 2006.
While manufacturing was under way, other New Orleans recovery team members installed new surge gates, discharge pipes and other foundational units of the pumping station in readiness for pump deliveries. All eight pumps were delivered and installed on schedule.
Lengthy and critical dry-tests were conducted on the pumps during the second week of August, proving them ready for running in water. Wet-tests were conducted the following week and all eight pumps were officially accepted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Col. Jeffrey Bedey, Commander of the Hurricane Protection Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, reflected on the total effort of putting the new pumping station into place with these remarks:
"It was on 15 August that we completed testing here at London Avenue Canal. We ran all eight of these pumps. An unbelievable effort. A team effort. I couldn't be prouder to be part of the team...that made history. Patterson Pump should be proud. They were there all along the way.
"How significant is delivery of eight massive pumps from an industry standard? Talk to any pump manufacturer or engineer who has built pumping stations before. The lead time on pumps of this magnitude is 18-24 months. So, how did Patterson deliver? Because they were committed...to the work going on here in the greater New Orleans area. They understood the significance of what was going on.
"What we are doing here in New Orleans is about more than just building pumps. It's about restoring the faith and confidence in the people. Not in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but that inner faith and confidence such that people want to come back to this great community.
"22 December - 15 August, from award of contract, delivery of pumps, installation and full testing and acceptance of those pumps. I challenge the engineering community to find a greater example of making things happen."
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